China & Tibet Motorcycle Tour
Experience the ultimate China & Tibet motorcycle tour: ride from Beijing to Lhasa and Everest Base Camp on BMW GS bikes, crossing the Himalayas, turquoise lakes, and remote Tibetan villages in 12 unforgettable days.
Overview
China Motorcycle Tour
Explore China and Tibet
12 Days | 11 Nights
This journey offers a complete and immersive experience through China and Tibet, combining cultural discovery with an unforgettable motorcycle adventure across the Himalayas. The trip begins with three days in Beijing, where participants explore iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City, along with the vibrant contrasts of modern and traditional city life.
From Beijing, the journey continues to Lhasa, where travelers spend time acclimatizing to the altitude while visiting key cultural sites like the Potala Palace. This marks the beginning of the motorcycle expedition.
Riding new BMW F 850 GS motorcycles, the route crosses high mountain passes, remote valleys, and stunning landscapes filled with turquoise lakes, glaciers, and traditional Tibetan villages. The adventure reaches its highlight at Everest Base Camp, offering extraordinary views of the world’s highest peak.
Throughout the journey, participants experience authentic Tibetan culture, visit monasteries, and ride through some of the most scenic and least-traveled roads in the Himalayas.
Tour Highlights
China & Tibet Motorcycle Tour
- Explore Beijing, including the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China
- Acclimatization and cultural visits in Lhasa, including the Potala Palace
- Ride across the Himalayas on BMW F 850 GS motorcycles
- Reach Everest Base Camp, one of the world’s most iconic destinations
- Spectacular routes with high mountain passes, glaciers, and turquoise lakes
- Visit remote Tibetan monasteries and authentic local villages
- Overnight at Namtso Lake and Everest Base Camp
Departure dates & Prices
China & Tibet Motorcycle Tour
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Departure date: July 03 – 2026 |
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Motorcycle Model
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Price*
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Rider with
BMW F 850 GS| BMW F 900 GS |
€ 6159**
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Rider with own motorbike
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€ 5069
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Passenger
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€ 4569
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*Price is based on two people sharing a double room.
** all payments will be taken in €.
Notes and Additional Information
Tour Facts
- Duration: 12 days
- Riding Days: 11 days
- Total Distance: Approximately 1,928 km / 1,198 miles
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Accommodation: Good quality hotels
- Terrain: Mainly paved roads with some gravel sections
- Motorcycle: BMW F 850 GS or similar
Route Details
- Daily distance: 120–400 km
- Riding time: 4–8 hours/day
- Driving side: right
- Roads: mostly good condition, some gravel and occasional off-road sections
- Difficulty: moderate, no extreme off-road
Climate
- Temperatures: 10°C to 30°C
- Riding average: ~15°C
- Cold in high mountain passes (can drop below 0°C)
Safety
Tibet is very safe, with minimal crime and welcoming local communities.
Money
Cash is essential outside major cities. Credit cards are rarely accepted.
Motorcycle Equipment
Bring full riding gear: helmet, jacket, protections, pants, boots, gloves, etc. Equipment is not available locally.
Visa
Please check requirements for your nationality. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Driving License
A Chinese driving license is mandatory and arranged locally in Lhasa. You must also bring your national license and preferably an international permit.
Tibet Permits
Special permits are required. All documents must be submitted at least 90 days in advance.
Health & Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccines except possible COVID requirements (TBC). Recommended: tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis, etc. No malaria risk.
Insurance
Includes mandatory evacuation insurance in Tibet. Does not include travel cancellation or full international medical insurance (optional).
What to Bring
- Complete motorcycle riding gear
- Full-face or flip-up helmet
- Protective jacket and pants (all-season/adventure recommended)
- Gloves, boots, and thermal layers for high-altitude riding
Itinerary
Embark on a thrilling China Tibet motorcycle tour from Beijing to Lhasa and Everest Base Camp. Ride the majestic Himalayas on BMW GS motorcycles, crossing high mountain passes, turquoise lakes, and remote Tibetan villages. Fully guided, fully supported, and designed for intermediate riders, this 12-day adventure combines culture, epic landscapes, and the ultimate motorbike experience.
Time : 12:00
Start your China Tibet motorcycle tour with a flight from Spain to Beijing. Upon arrival, local guides will escort you in a private vehicle to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight stay as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Time : 09:00
Start your China Tibet motorcycle tour with a flight from Spain to Beijing. Upon arrival, local guides will escort you in a private vehicle to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight stay as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Time : 09:00
Ride into history on your guided tour of the Great Wall of China. Ascend by cable car and descend by toboggan, creating an exciting start to your adventure. Afterward, explore the traditional Hutongs and experience local culture. This day sets the tone for your guided motorcycle tour China Tibet.
Fly from Beijing to Lhasa. Upon arrival, all travel permits required for Tibet are handled. Private transfer to your hotel. Begin acclimatizing to high altitude, an essential step for your Himalaya motorbike adventure.
Time : 09:00
Spend the day adapting to the altitude while exploring the majestic Potala Palace. Your BMW GS motorcycles are handed over and inspected, marking the start of your real motorcycle trip Himalayas Tibet experience.
Time : 09:00
Start your engines! Ride through the first high mountain pass with spectacular panoramic views. Discover turquoise alpine lakes, glaciers, and the famous Tibetan mastiffs. Continue to Shigatse. Overnight stay in comfortable accommodations suitable for intermediate riders.
Time : 09:00
Ride deeper into the Himalayas. Pass remote Tibetan villages and open mountain valleys, experiencing authentic Tibetan life along the way. Overnight in Tingri, perfectly positioned for your journey to Everest Base Camp.
Time : 09:00
A highlight of the Lhasa to Everest Base Camp motorcycle tour: cross the legendary Yalung Pass with over 100 hairpin bends. Marvel at the Himalayas as you reach the Everest Base Camp, one of the ultimate destinations for any Tibet motorcycle expedition. Overnight at Base Camp.
Time : 09:00
Return ride through dramatic Himalayan landscapes. Capture the changing light and vistas on the way back to Shigatse. Visit one of Tibet’s largest monasteries and reflect on your BMW GS Tibet tour experience. Overnight in Shigatse.
Time : 09:00
Ride through the most remote parts of Tibet on a thrilling day filled with pristine landscapes. The route offers long stretches of paved and gravel roads, perfect for Himalaya motorbike adventure enthusiasts. Arrive at Namtso Lake, a turquoise alpine gem, and spend the night nearby.
Time : 09:00
The final riding day of your China Tibet motorcycle tour. Enjoy the open roads back to Lhasa, sharing stories from the journey. Celebrate with a special farewell meal and explore the city for last-minute shopping. Overnight in Lhasa.
Breakfast and private transfer to the airport for your return flight. Conclude an unforgettable guided motorcycle tour China Tibet, with memories of high-altitude roads, breathtaking Himalayan vistas, and the adventure of a lifetime.
Trip Includes
Trip Excludes
- International flights (unless specified)
- Travel insurance, including cancellation or medical coverage outside Tibet
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra meals, drinks, tips)
- Optional excursions or activities not listed in the itinerary
- Visa fees (if required for your nationality)
- Motorcycle gear rental (helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, boots – bring your own)
- Fuel for the motorcycles (unless specified as included)
- Any expenses arising from delays, weather, or unforeseen circumstances
Advice for Americans Traveling Abroad
Before you go
- Confirm your passport is valid for 6 months from when you think your trip will end. Don’t get stranded.
- Get comprehensive travel insurance to cover you and your gear. Get insurance that’s right for you and covers your activities in the places you’ll go. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
- Consider your physical and mental health. Get advice from your doctor if you’re unsure.
- See your doctor or travel clinic 8 weeks before you go for a basic health check
- Check if your medication is legal and available in the places you’re going. Take enough of your prescribed medicines to last the whole trip. Carry copies of your prescription and a letter from your doctor.
- Tell your bank you’re travelling and check if your cards will work. Have several payment options.
- If you’ll drive overseas check out the local traffic laws and practices. You’re likely to need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well as your US driver’s license.
- Share your itinerary with friends or family members. Give them copies of your passport
Travel insurance
Holidays don’t always go as planned. If you’re going overseas, travel insurance is as important as a passport. Without it, you or your family could suffer financially if things go wrong. No matter who you are, where you’re going and what you’re doing, get insurance.
Travel insurance is especially important if you need medical assistance. Healthcare overseas can be very expensive. Most countries won’t give you free care, or subsidies the cost of your care. You, or your insurer, must usually pay full price.
Travel Advice for Americans visiting Romania
Safety
Keep your personal belongings close. Lock hotel and train compartment doors from the inside.
Drink spiking is an issue, especially in Bucharest’s Old Town. Don’t accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from people you’ve just met.
Dating and marriage scams occur.
Only use ATM’s in banks, shops and shopping centers, especially at night. Always keep your credit card in sight. Be wary of people you’ve met online.
Local laws
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include jail sentences of up to 20 years.
By law, you must always carry photo ID. Keep your passport in a safe place. Carry a photocopy.
It’s illegal to take photos of airports, military sites or other secure locations.
It’s illegal to engage in sex work or have sexual relations with a person under 18.
Same-sex relationships are legal in Romania, but not widely accepted.
Local contacts:
You can get full consular help from the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest.
FAQ
Please check requirements for your nationality. If a visa is necessary, it must be obtained in your home country at least 60 days in advance. The cost is approximately €150. A passport with at least six months’ validity and a passport-size photo is required.
In China/Tibet, only a Chinese driving license is valid for riding. We assist with obtaining this license in Lhasa with local support. It is also necessary to carry your national driving license, and an international driving permit is recommended.
Traveling in Tibet requires special permits issued by the Chinese authorities. For all administrative procedures, we require passport photos and a copy of your national driving license. All documents must be submitted at least 90 days before the tour.
Apart from the COVID-19 vaccine (pending confirmation), no vaccinations are mandatory for Tibet. Travelers from countries with yellow fever risk must be vaccinated and carry their vaccination card. It is also recommended to have up-to-date vaccines for tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and hepatitis. Anti-malaria treatment is not required.
The tour includes a mandatory evacuation insurance covering urgent medical assistance and transfer to Lhasa. It does not include travel cancellation or medical coverage outside Tibet. Additional coverage can be purchased at the time of registration.
The tour is led by Gustavo Cuervo and a local motorcycle guide, with alternating professional staff overseeing the routes. Gustavo collaborates with other experts on signature tours.
Only large cities have currency exchange offices. Most of the route does not accept credit cards.
Yes, companions can travel in the support vehicle. Off-road riding outside designated routes is not allowed.
Tibet accommodations are the best available in the region. In Lhasa, 5-star hotels with Western standards. One night may be in a Tibetan yurt or guesthouse with heating at Everest Base Camp or Rombugk Monastery. Services are limited on remote nights, but all hotels are located in exceptional scenic spots with Wi-Fi where available.
Temperatures vary mainly with altitude, typically 10–30°C, with average highs around 15°C on the plateau. Dry climate with occasional hailstorms and snow in mountain passes. High passes can drop below 0°C.
Tibet is politically stable with almost no common crime. Most routes pass through rural areas with friendly, hospitable locals.
Several options from Europe, usually connecting through Beijing or Shanghai. The Tibet itinerary can be combined with visits to other major Chinese cities.
Recommended: full road or trail riding gear, jackets with removable liners, helmet (full-face or flip-up), protective pants, high boots (not enduro boots), gloves, goggles, and neck buff. All gear must be brought by participants; specialized rental is not available in Tibet.
Stages vary from 120 km to 400 km depending on terrain, acclimatization, and interests. Average riding time: 4–8 hours per day.
Always drive on the right.
Outside Lhasa and Shigatse, traffic is light. Roads are generally good, with some sections of gravel or dirt tracks. Occasional construction or minor off-road sections may occur.
The Everest Base Camp route is the most challenging part of the tour but follows a maintained road suitable for standard adventure motorcycles. Occasional stone or gravel sections; no technical trial sections.
You can send your enquiry via the form below.
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